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Horsetraded for a J-type OD....

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YankeeTR

YankeeTR

Luke Skywalker
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Last night I did a little horsetrading with one of the local guys and wound up with a nice Volvo J-type OD unit.

I pulled the sump off of the unit and both filters were almost spotless...just one little, tiny speck of brass. The magnet was also pretty clean.

Now I've got a good start on my way to an OD trans.

I figure I've got $21.00 invested so far.

volvoOD.jpg
 
Well, you haven't over spent so far!!! Great deal.

I think that you will need a conversion kit for this with a different output shaft and a larger output flange to match the driveshaft. Without measuring, this flange looks a little small, which the Volvo units were.

Does this have red automatic transmission fluid in it? Nearly all Volvo units do. That will have to be flushed out.

Parts and advice are available from John at Quantum Mechanics.
 
I figure if I buy what I need from John @ Quantum I'll have about $550.00 or so in this deal. Or I can wait and see if some of this stuff (shaft, adaptor, etc.) shows up on Ebay or from some other TR guys. Plus I have to find a late TR6 transmission but that shouldn't be too tuff.

I have a good stock of 3 syncro transmssions now and I will probably sell a few to finance this whole deal.

I may install this this summer but I will probably wait untill this winter to really tear into this project. First I have to get my TR2 engine back together.

As far as the flange goes, I understand that the bolt holes need to be redrilled for the TR pattern and a small cut needs to be taken from the flange center...I'll figure that out soon.

Brosky, as far as the ATF trans fluid goes I will probably go against all of the advice that I've gleaned from those of you on this site and use either ATF or GM Syncromesh fluid. I've had very good luck with ATF in manual transmissions over the years. MOPAR has used it as well as Volvo. And if it works in an automatic with planetary gears it should work in this plantery application.

While I don't have a problem with using 50W non-detergent oil, I've always been the one to buck the system....may the beatings begin!
 
I thought that the fluid from the transmission mixed with the OD, so you may have a problem using two different type fluids.

I personally have never had one apart, since I bought mine from John, installed in the car. He specifically recommends the 30W non detergent oil and nothing else. What we all say is pretty speculative compared to his opinion and knowledge.

Although I've heard good things about the GM fluid, but it was never mentioned in one of these units.
 
Brosky said:
I thought that the fluid from the transmission mixed with the OD, so you may have a problem using two different type fluids.

I personally have never had one apart, since I bought mine from John, installed in the car. He specifically recommends the 30W non detergent oil and nothing else. What we all say is pretty speculative compared to his opinion and knowledge.

Although I've heard good things about the GM fluid, but it was never mentioned in one of these units.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I MEANT to say 30W non-detergent oil.

The oil does mix between the trans and OD units. ATF works well in both units, I believe. John certainly has a TON of experience with these things and I've seen his lube test and the results. I know that EP90 or a similar GL4 oil is to thick for the OD unit. Lots of complaints of erratic shifting of the OD from owners who have used this stuff with their transmissions

My MOPAR 833 four speeds both have ATF in them plus my TR7 has it in the trans, too. I'm not sure if the TR7 came with a factory fill of ATF but it's in there.

The GM stuff is about a 40-50 weight from what I can gather...(UPDATE...It's a 75W). Lots of different makes of cars seem to do well while using it. I saw a Volvo website awhile back that had a test of their Laycock OD units using the GM Syncromesh fluid and it was recommended.

The Gear Vendors OD unit that is sold in the aftermarket is nearly identical to the Volvo J-type...it actually IS a J-type and the manufacturer recommends the GM product for their units.
 
I had a John Esposito/Quantumechanics-reconditioned Jtype in my GT6. It took 30-weight, non detergent oil. In fact, you void the Quantumechanic's warranty by using anything besides 30-weight, non-detergent oil. Detergent oil will foam up under the grinding that occurs in the gearbox, not good.

Yes, the gearbox and the OD use the same oil, it mixes together. And, possibly the most important maintenance item on these things is to check the oil level regularly. I checked mine at every gasoline fill. Low oil causes all kinds of problems. If your OD is leaking oil, it's probably a seal, not all that hard to replace (that is, only if you don't consider pulling the gearbox difficult!!).

To make oil checking easier, most Spit/GT6 owners cut a little "door" flap in the gearbox tunnel cover so all that's required is to pull the carpet back, open the door and check the oil level.
 
Do a Google search for 'laycock overdrives'...tons of different info on repair, maintenence, lubes and such. Great for anyone considering an OD conversion or just basic owners info...
 
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